Türkiye to field Akkor active protection system on Altay main battle tanks by 2025

Türkiye’s Akkor active protection system (APS) is set to be deployed on the domestically produced Altay main battle tanks (MBTs) in 2025.

The announcement was made during the Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability (FAVS) 2024 conference held in London from Nov. 11 to 13.

‘Akkor system successfully completes trial phases’

Abdulmenaf Erdem, a project engineer at the Turkish Secretariat of Defence Industries (SSB), provided updates on Akkor’s development. Speaking at the event on Nov. 12, Erdem confirmed: “The Akkor system has successfully completed its trial phases and will enter service with the Altay main battle tanks in 2025.”

This timeline follows the May 29 announcement of the serial production contract for the Altay tanks, marking a significant step in Türkiye’s ongoing modernization of its armored vehicle fleet.

Akkor APS to upgrade Türkiye’s armored fleet

Besides its integration with the Altay tanks, Akkor will also be installed on Leopard 2A4 tanks and Korhan light armored vehicles, Erdem revealed.

The system was developed by Aselsan to counter anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket threats.

The Akkor APS consists of several key components:

• High-resolution radar to detect threats in all directions
• Smart hard-kill munitions for intercepting projectiles in mid-air
• High-speed launchers that respond rapidly to incoming threats

“This system provides comprehensive 360-degree protection for armored vehicles,” Erdem explained. “

Akkor eliminated threats within less than a second, offering unparalleled survivability on the battlefield.”

Modernizing armored vehicles

Türkiye has been working to modernize its armored fleet following losses in past conflicts, including in Syria, where anti-tank weapons have posed significant challenges.

The Leopard 2A4 tanks are undergoing upgrades under a 2023 agreement, which includes the integration of Akkor. Aselsan is expected to deliver the first Leopard tanks with Akkor APS by the end of 2024.

“Akkor significantly improves the survivability of vehicles by effectively intercepting threats in real-time,” an Aselsan spokesperson noted.

The system’s modular architecture also allows it to be adapted for various armored platforms, making it a versatile addition to Türkiye’s defense capabilities.

Advanced protection for the Altay MBT

The Altay MBT represents a new generation of armored vehicles for Türkiye. Equipped with Akkor, it will boast enhanced defensive capabilities, including protection against both asymmetrical threats and conventional anti-tank weapons.

Türkiye joins a few other nations globally that have successfully developed and deployed active protection systems for their military vehicles.